Why didn't dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

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Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

I heard the ZF transmission is a good one and tight too. The t-56 trans..I think I'm calling it right seems a bit sloppy...any idea's?
 

Robert1994

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

I get calls for many more replacement ZF trans's than B-W.
There's either a LOT more ZF built unit's out there,
or their failure rate is much higher. I am not of course
talking specificaly about the Viper application.
 

Marv S

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

Early plans were to use the ZF 6x but it didn't pan out
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Al Whittier 92#226:
B-W installed wider gears,stronger main shafts and a different internal ratio taylored to the Viper. So you see, your Viper transmission is stronger than the average T-56

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting. So we don't exactly have THE SAME tranny as the GM boys? Not to doubt you Al, but can anyone confirm the HD upgrades to our tranny?
 

ACR Joe

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

I recall that there were some durability issues relating to the ZF unit in the ZR-1. A number of cars that were making big power (&gt; 450 rwhp) realized ZF failures. Perhaps that why Dodge elected to go with the BW. The ZF shifted a tad better than the BW ...... but just a tad!
 

Jay Herbert

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

Al is on the nose..... ZF was planned to be in the Viper, but, they could not get it ready in time to meet Team V's deadline, so the "already in the pipeline" T-56 was modified to be able to handle the Vipers Torque. BW jumped through hoops that ZF was not jumping through.....

The Viper Tranny is different then a T-56 in GM appplications. Much stouter, special internal thrust bearing materials, different tail shaft casting, and now.... different shifting forks.
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jay Herbert:
and now.... different shifting forks.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Since when? What year? I assume they're better? I have a feeling the forks on my 98 may be slightly bent. If it's under warranty will I get the new forks?
 
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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

how do you know if your forks are bent? What does it do?
 

GTS Dean

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

The shifter will pop back into the neutral gate when you let the clutch out.
 

Robert1994

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GTS Dean:
The shifter will pop back into the neutral gate when you let the clutch out.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like synchro time........
 

Viper Specialty

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

no, a synchro, if damaged, will only show up as grinding, or a difficult gear change. However, a bad synchro can LEAD to rounded splines, which will cause the shifter to pop out of gear. This can occur when applying the throttle, or letting off-depending on the conditions durring grinding. A bent shift fork will cause popping out, due to conditions not allowing the transmission gear to be fully engaged.
 

Tom and Vipers

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

Actually, popping out of gear is a classic symptom of misalignment between the transmission and crankshaft.

I have seen this and have correct it.

Believe it or not, the Studebaker shop manual specifies that this is checked and must be within .004 TIR.

Also, that ZIF looks like a monster with those huge gears, however, the reality is that it fails more than the BW. There may be a case problem with the ZIF. However, I would like to hear the fairlure mechanisms of the ZIF.
 

Jack B

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

Tom:

Is the popping out of gear more pronouced in any certain gear. Does the bell housing have to be shimed to correct this and how would it become mis-aligned.
 

pauls

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Re: Why didn\'t dodge go with the ZF transmission instead of the t-56?

If you have an aftermarket shifter and the problem didn't exist prior, check your shifter stops. Stops set to close to the gate will cause it to pop out of gear. Back off the set screws a turn.
 

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